Celebration of Life ceremony for J.Jaye Steele set for March 9

February 26, 2014

A memorial gathering and celebration of life ceremony for famed and well-loved local musician, J.Jaye Steele, will be held for the public Sunday, March 9, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Crazy Olive, 1141 Pine Island Road, Cape Coral.

Lead singer for the rock band PUSH, J.Jaye recently lost a hard-fought battle with cancer. The memorial celebration was organized for all those whose lives were touched by his courage, his strength, his great personality and his music.

"There is so much love pouring out," said Iona Elliot, close friend of the musician. "There have been so many praying for him, before and after his battle. He had a lot of help and love."

"He will sorely be missed from his neighborhood community, from the entertainment community. We're all better for having known him," said Jeff Miles, fellow band mate and close friend.

During the three-hour gathering, all are welcome to join and share their fondest memories and photos of the longstanding ambassador of Southwest Florida, while enjoying the photography slideshow and the many speakers and fellow musicians who will speak on behalf of the local artist that afternoon.

Aside from his long-standing work in the rock and roll industry, J.Jaye was a highly respected and beloved softball coach for the Cape Coral Parks & Rec's Youth and Travel league, and always had good, positive and uplifting things to say about his community and those who live within it.

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Obituary

Jeffrey Dean Myers, known to many as J.Jaye Steele, 54, of Cape Coral, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 with his loving wife, Sandra, of 30 years by his side.

He was an international recording artist who traveled the world while performing on the big stage previously. He volunteered and dedicated years of his life to coaching softball, baseball and football with his children, Sierra and Jeffrey, Jr. HIs great joy in life was spending time with his family. He was known for his positive outlook on life and his sense of humor.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Sandra; their children, Sierra Raquel and Jeffrey, Jr.; as well as two children from a previous marriage: Charise Myers-Ball and Jeremy Myers; five grandchildren and his brother, Keith A. Myers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in J.Jaye's memory to a continued education fund for Sierra and Jeffrey, Jr. to: Suncoast Federal Credit Union in the name of Sierra Myers. Personal checks can also be sent C/O Elliott, P.O. Box 100054, Cape Coral, FL 33910-0054 and given to Jeff Myers or Iona Elliott at the memorial/celebration of life for J.Jaye Sunday, March 9, from 2 to 5 p.m., which will take place at The Crazy Olive, 1141 Pine Island Road, Cape Coral.

"We're all heartbroken at this terrible loss as a husband of Sandy's, a father of two wonderful children, a community coach, and, of course, his music. He's been taken away from everything so young. His music was so wonderful, his voice so unique. No one can take his place," Elliot said.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up for J.Jaye's two teenage children, which will be open for donations during the gathering March 9.

Elliot also set up a J.Jaye Steele memorial fan page on Facebook. Search "J.Jaye Steele Fan Page" to join the group.

J.Jaye's fellow PUSH band mates will continue to perform together as the trio Miles, Yates and Chang, as well as the duo Tommy and Mark.